HPS Team,
In the wake of the recent school shooting in Parkland, Florida, I am sure many of you are aware of national efforts to coordinate student walkouts. The goals of these walkouts include showing support for the lives lost at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida as well as creating a peaceful statement against school violence.
We have learned that some high school students plan to participate in a walkout on March 14. Please know we are neither promoting nor opposing this walkout. However, our principals are actively discussing this issue with student leaders to ensure that it is used as a learning experience and lesson in civic engagement. While we have not heard of any middle school students planning to participate, our middle school administrators are ready should this change. As part of the planning, each building has designated a safe location for the students to assemble during the walkout.
Please remember that during school hours, our top priority is the safety of our students. During the time of the walkout, classes will continue on their regular schedule. To this end, staff should remain in their classroom with any students not participating in the walkout. We also ask that staff members be extra vigilant during this time. While we do not believe it will be needed, we have also met with our local law enforcement agencies to discuss what support we may need from them.
As a district, I feel that it is important to engage our students in meaningful conversations around the topic of school safety. I have scheduled meetings with student leaders to hear their thoughts on this topic and to share ways that the district is working to ensure that we are providing a safe and secure learning environment. Additionally, we are continually looking for areas of improvement in relation to school safety.
Sincerely,
Erin
In the wake of the recent school shooting in Parkland, Florida, I am sure many of you are aware of national efforts to coordinate student walkouts. The goals of these walkouts include showing support for the lives lost at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida as well as creating a peaceful statement against school violence.
We have learned that some high school students plan to participate in a walkout on March 14. Please know we are neither promoting nor opposing this walkout. However, our principals are actively discussing this issue with student leaders to ensure that it is used as a learning experience and lesson in civic engagement. While we have not heard of any middle school students planning to participate, our middle school administrators are ready should this change. As part of the planning, each building has designated a safe location for the students to assemble during the walkout.
Please remember that during school hours, our top priority is the safety of our students. During the time of the walkout, classes will continue on their regular schedule. To this end, staff should remain in their classroom with any students not participating in the walkout. We also ask that staff members be extra vigilant during this time. While we do not believe it will be needed, we have also met with our local law enforcement agencies to discuss what support we may need from them.
As a district, I feel that it is important to engage our students in meaningful conversations around the topic of school safety. I have scheduled meetings with student leaders to hear their thoughts on this topic and to share ways that the district is working to ensure that we are providing a safe and secure learning environment. Additionally, we are continually looking for areas of improvement in relation to school safety.
Sincerely,
Erin
